Califia Farms, based in Los Angeles, has acquired Uproot Inc., a company known for its self-serve dairy alternative dispensers, to expand its plant-based offerings in U.S. educational campuses and hospital canteens.
Califia Farms, a leading plant-based beverage company, has expanded its out-of-home portfolio by acquiring Uproot Inc., a company known for its innovative self-serve dairy alternative dispensers. This acquisition marks a significant move for Califia Farms as it aims to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market by providing more accessible plant-based milk options across various dining locations.
Uproot Inc.’s Rapid Growth and Integration
Founded in 2019, Uproot Inc. quickly gained recognition for its self-serve dispenser system, which debuted in 2022. The company has already installed over 150 units at U.S. education campuses and hospital canteens, offering dairy alternatives like oat milk, soymilk, and chocolate pea milk. The entire Uproot management team, including founders Kevin Eve and Jacob Conway, will join Califia Farms as part of this strategic acquisition. While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, this integration is expected to bolster Califia Farms’ out-of-home offerings significantly.
A Turnkey Solution for Plant-Based Milk
Uproot’s dispensers are marketed as a cleaner, faster alternative to single-serve cartons, with a strong emphasis on reducing packaging waste. Each dispenser uses a nine-liter bag-in-box system that can serve up to 40 beverages, 80 cereal-sized servings, or 160 coffee creaming servings. Califia Farms plans to use this platform to distribute its own oat, almond, and coconut milk ranges in hundreds of U.S. dining locations.
Industry Impact and Consumer Trends
The acquisition comes at a time when demand for dairy alternatives is rapidly increasing. According to research from World Coffee Portal, almond milk is the most frequently ordered dairy alternative among U.S. coffee shop consumers, with oat and soya milk gaining popularity, especially among younger demographics. Califia Farms’ expansion aligns with these trends, allowing the company to reach a broader audience through Uproot’s established channels.
Califia Farms’ Continued Growth
Founded in 2010, Califia Farms has grown into a major player in the plant-based beverage industry, primarily operating in the U.S. and UK markets. The company distributes a wide range of products, including plant-based dairy alternatives, creamers, and ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverages, to both Horeca clients and direct consumers via its e-commerce site and retail partners. In January 2020, Califia Farms raised $225 million to increase its manufacturing capacity and expand its product portfolio, setting the stage for acquisitions like Uproot Inc. to further its mission.
